0.-12

10

say, " Tests have shown that the strength of the wood is not altered by turpentining." Again, in discussing French methods and experience it is stated, " The wood is used for mine timber, boxes, cross-ties, telegraph-poles, &c. Turpentined timber is preferred over unturpentined, since it is very resinous and resists decay for a longer time." It may be mentioned that a large proportion of the French forests exploited for resin are situated along the coast, where the shifting sand-dunes have been planted with maritime-pine (Finns maritima). In discussing French methods of collecting gum it is remarked that " up to the year 1860 practically all resin was collected in holes scooped out of the sand at the base of the trees. This method was wasteful, and the gum was badly contaminated with sand and other debris. The use of an earthen pot with a gutter was suggested in 1840 by M. Hugues, of Tamos, but was not taken up until 1860. At present the Hugues cup-and-gutter system has almost superseded the old method." (See Bulletin 229, Department of Agriculture, United States, by Schorger and Betts.) I wish here to place on record my appreciation of the cordial reception given to me as an officer of the Public Service of New Zealand by the gentlemen here mentioned and by other officers of the Forests Products Laboratory, both at Washington and Madison. Everything possible was done to facilitate my inquiries and to supply me with information likely to prove of value in connection with the matters I was interested in. 1 have, &c, It. P. GrEVILLK, Kauri-gum Superintendent. The Right Hon. W. F. Massey, P. 0., Minister of Lands, Wellington.

Statement of Accounts (as required by Section 5 of the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914) for the Year, ended the 31st March, 1917. Receipts. £ s. d. Expenditure. £ s. d. To Balance .. .. .. .. 2,694 3 9j By Wages and bonuses to workmen enDebentures issued under the Kauri- gaged upon face-digging and store, gum Industry Amendment Act, Auckland .. .. .. 7,494 110 1914 .. .. .. .. 15,009 0 0 Wages of overseers and gum-buyers.. 933 13 6 Sales of kauri-gum .. .. 10,889 1 10 , Machinery, plant, &c. .. .. 645 13 9 Miscellaneous receipts .. ..' 143 10 3 I Advances to gum-diggers and purchases of gum .. .. .. 5,166 14 6 Travelling-expenses of Superintendent, staff, gum-buyers, and overseers . . 812 18 6 Office expenses, administration, &c. . . 1,511 12 7 Freights, &o. .. . . . . 983 8 6 Now Zealand Loans Act, 1908,- « Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914— Charges and exponses. . .. o 10 li I'alance: Cash in Publio Account .. 11,178 2 2 £28,726 15 10 j £28,726 15 10 R. P. Greville, Examined and found correct. Kauri-gum Superintendent. Robert J. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General.

Loan Account. 1917. £ s. d. ! 1917. £ s. d. March 31. To Balance .. .. 47,01)0 0 0 I March 3). By Be bentures issued under the Kauri-gum Industry Amendment Act, 1914 .. .. 47,000 0 0 £47,000 0 0 £47,000 0 0 R. P. Grevillk, Examined and found correct. Kauri-gum Superintendent. Robert J. Collins, Controller and Auditor-General.

Approximate Cott 0/ Paper.- —Preparation, not given ; printing (1,000 copies), £10.

Authority : Marcus F. Marks, Government Printer, Wellington.—l9l7.

PHct 6d.]